Navajo (Dine') ring

Navajo (Dine') ring

This ring is an example of early Navajo (Dine') silverwork, with 4 round "balls" having been formed by répoussé.

The Navajo (Diné) learned silvermakiing from the Mexicans in the 19th century. Working with hand-made tools, they achieved remarkable beauty in the jewelry they made. It is generally believed that they didn't start adding turquoise stones until the late 19th century. Jewelry of this era is quite rare.